The Effect of Variable Continuous Training Compared To HIIT On VO2 Max In Athletes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The capacity of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to increase exercise efficiency and cardiovascular fitness has led to a notable increase in popularity. Athletes are always looking for ways to improve their VO2 max, which is a measurement of their maximum oxygen intake that indicates their endurance potential. An additional strategy that targets both the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems is Variable Continuous Training (VCT).

Methods: In accordance with PRISMA 2020 standards, this systematic review looked for articles published between 2014 and 2024 by searching databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, and Science Direct. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving athletes enrolled in different sports training regimens were our main emphasis. The internal validity and methodological quality of the included studies were evaluated using the PEDro scale.

Results: No pertinent studies examining the impact of Variable Continuous Training (VCT) on athletes' VO2 max were found throughout the search. In contrast, several studies satisfied the requirements for inclusion in HIIT studies involving athletes. The HIIT protocols used in these investigations varied in terms of volume, duration, intensity, and training time. Following HIIT intervention, VO2 max improved significantly in all of the included trials; larger increases were linked to longer durations, higher exercise volumes, and moderate-to-long training periods.

Discussions: Even while HIIT is clearly beneficial for athletes' VO2 max, the discussion highlights how important it is to customize training plans to meet the demands of each person. While beginners may need to start with less difficult protocols and work their way up, more experienced athletes may be better able to endure and benefit from hard HIIT sessions. The best layout for an athlete's HIIT program may also depend on their particular objectives, such as whether they want to run a marathon or a shorter sprint event. Future studies should examine the efficacy of VCT and improve HIIT regimens to meet the unique requirements and objectives of other sports.

Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis concludes that HIIT is a viable approach to raising an athlete's VO2 max. Variable Continuous Training (VCT) has not been studied, yet HIIT intervention was found to significantly increase VO2 max in several research. Notably, regimens with moderate-to-long training times, higher volumes, and longer durations produced larger improvements. The talk emphasizes how crucial it is to customize HIIT regimens according to running objectives and baseline fitness. Future studies ought to look into the efficacy of VCT, hone HIIT protocols for particular sports, analyze the physiological processes that underlie the advantages of HIIT, and expand athlete studies to include a larger spectrum of ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. Enhancing training methods can enable athletes to reach their maximum potential.